New to this.. which AO knife?

W

WhackyPlague

Joined
Jun 14, 2009
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5
I'm looking for an AO knife... I know little-to-nothing about knives.

Basically, I want a knife for carry and small tasks (cutting tape, letters, nothing serious). I have a ~$100 budget (flexible, if there's an awesome knife that's like $150 I'll still consider it). Because I'll use it for carry and the laws in some places I visit, it should have a blade of 3" or less, but obviously as close to 3" as possible.

I think I want a plain edge, but as I said, I don't know much, so if you feel a partially serrated knife is better, feel free to say so. However, I can't imagine ever needing to cut through rope or anything like that. As far as aesthetics, I like the look of the black oxide coated blades, but it certainly isn't a requirement, just a plus.
 
The first AO's I owned were Kershaw's. Several of them are well below $100. There are a few very nice ones over. Check out the Leeks and Blurs they are pretty basic for your needs. JMO, there are many more people here with a lot more knowledge and experience that can help.
 
If I were to pick two AOs that I like the most, they would be the Kershaw G10-Tyrade and the Kershaw Shallot. To me, they give the most bang for the buck in terms of utility and quality.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums.

The Tyrade has a 3.5" blade, the Shallot a 3.25". While I own and like them both, I think you'd be better off with the 3" blade of the Leek. There are many models of the Leek, some much less expensive than others.
 
"...New to this.. which AO knife?..."
- WhackyPlague

Anything, just as long as it's stamped "Kershaw" on the blade tang.
 
A Very Cool knife that I picked up recently, and has become one of my favorite basic "nothing serious" cutting knives is the Kershaw OD 1. $38.00-$50.00.
Check wally world for a good price. It's not an assisted opener so maybe, less legal restrictions. It's got the new 14C28N blade steel, a 3" blade G10 scales and its a frame lock. lot's of features for the price !
 
Benchmade Mini-Nitrous Stryker can be had for ~100. Blade length is 3", has sturdy double liner metal construction, yet very light weight (2.8 oz) for its size because the liners are Titanium. It's great for everyday tasks because it has grippy G10 scales, so it's not gonna be slippery like the Kershaw Shallot. It also comes in black coated blade.
 
if your dead set on an ao, then kershaw is the way to go.

great quality and wont break the bank.
 
THG said:
Isn't it 3.75" and 3.5", respectively?
Click to expand...

What's the difference? Both are clearly over the 3" limit in his area. Anyway, both are also difficult to interpret. I measured mine from tip to furthest forward extension of the handle -- stabbing depth.
 
I think this question just begs for a Leek. You couldn't write a better job description for a Leek than the OP's question if you tried.
 
I agree, I think a Leek is the way to go... since it's well under your price range you might as well look at the different types of Leeks and see which one you find attractive. They have a TiNi black coated Leek if you want that...
 
As Esav mentioned already, the Leek is a nice knife in that size. I have the all black one (1660CKT) in PE Sandvik14C28N steel. I also have the kydex neck sheath from CountyComm. Nice setup, but I usually carry mine clipped in my pocket. My Leek cost $50.

Also, for $40 (at Lowes), the SOG Twitch II is a great AO knife. A nice high quality, well made knife. Decent AUS8 steel and a nice understated, clean and simple design that won't scare the 'sheeple'.
 
Look at the bottom two below - a Spyderco Native in S30V steel and a Kershaw Leek with a Damascus blade (The blade was actually made here in Alabama!). Both run ~$75 via web sites. The S30V blade of the Native, which has no AO, perhaps making it 'more' legal some places, holds an edge for some time. The multi-layer Damascus looks beautiful on the Leek - and cuts with a miniature sawtooth action. Great conversation piece - looks better than the usual black finish, too. I have had both for two years or so - great knives.

IMG_0310.jpg


The top red one is a Kershaw Blur - you can get it stone washed with an S30V blade - but it's too big. The green Scallion is nice - but too small.

Stainz
 
You can get the Leek in liner lock or framelock and they have a safety if you're in a position where you want absolute non-opening security. They are also a very comfortable small handled knife, good secure grip by shape.
 
Owning most of the knives mentioned, all are subject to failure when a torsion bar is used. The way around such potential problems is to go for a 'flipper' assisted knife such as the Kershaw OD-1. The OD-1 is actually faster than many AO knives, uses a frame lock and has a plain edge 2 and 15/16" blade. I highly recommend the OD-1 for your consideration.
 
With a budget of up to $150, you can get some nicer Kershaw & ZT A/Os. However, wanting a blade length of 3", then your best bet would be one of the Leeks, I would think.

The G-10 Leeks with S30V are nice. I think there's a combo edge model, but forget what blade steel the edge is (I'm sure someone can chime in). The Random Leeks in S30V are also nice.

If you can go with a little more blade, I think the Blur's are great. If you can find one, the SG2s are phenominal (I believe the SG2's are at 63-65 RC). There's also the S60V Blur, which I have &, of course, the tried & true S30V Blurs.

If you go even larger, there're the G-10 Tyrades, reg. Tyrade (If you can find them at that price), & the ZT 0350.

There's also the mini-Cyclones. The reg. one has Sandvik & the Ti frame-lock with ZDP-189 (Hard to get any better than that).

As for BMs, they are very nice, but like someone said, if the A/O goes out, at least you have a flipper with the Kershaws/ZTs, usually.

Good luck with whatever you get.
 
Take a look at the Benchmade 585, 906, 907 and the ZT 350. They are all in you price range. The 350 may be a tad big for you, but it is an awsome knife!
 
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